For nearly two decades, Lynne Angstadt has been a vital force at Conrad Weiser High School, where her passion for both business and education has left a lasting mark on countless students. Originally an accountant, Angstadt’s journey took a transformative turn when she discovered her love for teaching, setting the stage for her long-standing career. Now, as the Internship Coordinator at the school, she has built an innovative program that provides students with hands-on career experience, a mission that is both personal and powerful for her.
“I loved accounting, but I like people,” Angstadt shares with a smile, explaining how she transitioned from her early days in finance to her life’s work in education. When she began teaching business classes at Conrad Weiser, she quickly realized the impact she could have by engaging students with real-world skills. That realization led to the creation of the internship program in 2017. Initially, the program started with just four students, but thanks to her tireless dedication and vision, it now serves around 60 students annually.
The internship program offers students a window into the professional world, allowing them to connect classroom learning with practical experience. Students have interned at a variety of businesses, from hospitals to architecture firms, gaining exposure to careers that they may one day pursue. For Angstadt, the most fulfilling part of her role is watching the students evolve. “I love working with the adults and the kids in this program. It’s been really fun to see the connections and successes that both the mentors and the students are getting out of it,” she says.
Angstadt’s commitment goes beyond pairing students with local businesses—she ensures that these internships are truly meaningful. For example, she speaks fondly of a retired physician, Dr. Becker, who continues to mentor students at Phoebe Berks. “He comes back every semester, working with students one-on-one, offering not just professional guidance but also a deep well of knowledge and life lessons,” she explains.
Her focus on community ties is not just limited to individual success stories. Angstadt views the internship program as a way to strengthen bonds between the school and the surrounding community. Whether it’s helping students find opportunities at Reading Hospital or working with future teachers in local elementary and middle schools, Angstadt’s program highlights the power of collaboration.
“The connections can grow into so many other opportunities,” she says, referencing how the program has fostered a sense of community and even brought some students back to Conrad Weiser as educators themselves.
Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
As impactful as the program is, it’s not without its challenges. Angstadt notes that certain fields, like criminal justice and counseling, are difficult to access due to confidentiality and licensing restrictions. Yet, she remains undeterred, finding creative solutions to give students relevant experience. “We’ve had students interested in therapy, so we find alternatives, like working with children, to give them a glimpse into the field,” she explains.
Angstadt has also designed the program to prepare students for life beyond high school. From refining resumes to practicing interview skills, she makes sure her students leave with the tools they need to succeed in both college and the workforce. Additionally, she encourages students to leverage professional networks like LinkedIn, which has proven to be a game-changer for many. Watching a former intern build a robust professional presence after interning with an architecture firm is just one of many rewarding moments for Angstadt.
Impacting the Lives of Students—and Families
The feedback from parents and students alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Angstadt mentions how parents appreciate the opportunity for their children to step outside the traditional classroom setting and gain real-world experience. “A mother told me recently that her daughter couldn’t wait to intern at the hospital,” she recalls. “It’s become something that all the students look forward to during their junior and senior years.”
Her ultimate goal is to help students better understand the careers they want to pursue, and more importantly, to ensure they are equipped for life after graduation. “I’d love to see them get a better handle on what career they’d like to enter and figure it out before they put a lot of money into an education,” she emphasizes. Angstadt sees her work as a way to ease the transition into adulthood, offering students not only a career advantage but also a strong network to lean on throughout their lives.
A Life Beyond the School Walls
While her dedication to her students and the internship program is undeniable, Angstadt also values her time outside of work. Whether jogging with a longtime friend, supporting the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, or testing new soup recipes at local restaurants, she enjoys the small joys of life. Family is central to her, and she looks forward to spending more time with her husband and daughters as she nears retirement.
Looking ahead, Angstadt hopes to continue making an impact, even after she steps away from her full-time role. “I still want to stay involved in some way with kids. I haven’t decided exactly how, but I’ll find a way because I want to give back and work in the community,” she says.
A Legacy of Connection and Impact
Lynne Angstadt has built more than just an internship program at Conrad Weiser High School—she has created a legacy of connection, learning, and community engagement that will benefit students for years to come. Her innovative approach to education has inspired students, colleagues, and the broader community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of all those she touches.
In Angstadt’s words, “It’s such a rewarding position, and in the end, seeing the kids beaming when they come back makes it all worth it.” As she moves toward the next chapter of her life, her impact will surely continue to ripple through the community, one student at a time.